For much of the season — perhaps his career — Steve Miller has been the forgotten man along Ohio State's defensive line. The McKinley High School graduate found himself competing for playing time only to be passed by younger, talented players on the Ohio State roster.

Miller may get a chance to exert himself on the depth chart going into the 2014 season in Friday night's Orange Bowl.

Starting defensive end Noah Spence did not travel with the team to South Florida because he is handling a personal issue, according to head coach Urban Meyer. It is unclear if Spence will join the team in time to play against Clemson.

If he does not, Miller is likely the first guy up to replace him. Miller and sophomore Jamal Marcus are Spence's backup.

"These guys are here for a reason. They're on scholarship for a reason," Buckeye defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said. "It's time for them. When one man goes down ... you might find out a little more about them."

Miller is a junior who has had limited playing time. He's been a regular in Ohio State's line rotation, but Spence is OSU's best pass rusher and leader in sacks. The Buckeyes are counting on getting pressure on Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.

Miller played in all but three games this season, but did not see the field against Michigan and Michigan State. He does have six tackles for loss and three sacks, fourth on the team.

"Steve's been around for a while," Fickell said. "The thing for Steve is he hasn't really been playing that spot throughout the year. He's been playing more of the end spot. He's going to have to be thrust into a situation where he's going to have to learn. He's going to have a little bit of baptism by fire. ... It's going to maybe make us limit some of the things we do."